Photonics in South Korea and Singapore: People and places

South Korea and Singapore continued to play a key role in extensive research and development efforts in the field of photonics. The World Photonics Expo 2010 was held in Gwangju, South Korea, demonstrating the country's role in significant research and development efforts in the field. The Advanced Photonics Research Institute (APRI) was established within the city's infrastructure, with the objective to educate and train professionals with advanced degrees in the field and to generate knowledge-based venture companies through the joint research of industry and academic institutions. The program was part of the Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), along with the Ultrafast Fiber-Optic Networks Research Center. Singapore also continued to play a key role in continued research and development efforts in the field. Hypertronics Pte Ltd., was one of the companies from the country whose innovation involved developing its own solid-state laser systems, including the 1064-, 532- and 355-nm varieties.